Denton, Sherman F. (fl. circa 1900) As Nature Shows Them: Moths and Butterflies of the United States East of the Rocky Mountains.

Description:

Denton, Sherman F. (fl. circa 1900) As Nature Shows Them: Moths and Butterflies of the United States East ofthe Rocky Mountains. Boston: J.B. Millet Co., [1900].
First edition, two quarto volumes, limited edition, number 304 of 500 printed, illustrated with fifty-six full pages featuring mounted nature prints of butterflies and moths, many with two separate prints showing both sides of the wings; bound in full olive crushed morocco, spine and boards with gilt ornamentation in a butterfly motif, a.e.g., in custom cloth slip cases; cases somewhat worn, spines sun faded, joints dry with cracks; occasional spotting to text, 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (2)
Denton collected more than 50,000 specimens for the printing of this edition, and prepared the plates himself. "Insects, such as butterflies and moths, have minute, colored or iridescent scales on their wings that make up the distinctive patterns used for identification. In the late-1700's French entomologists developed several methods for making direct transfers of these delicate scale patterns that could be used to illustrate scientific identification guides. The wings of a dead specimen are spread out flat and carefully dried. The piece of paper to be printed is coated with a thin layer of gum-arabic. A specimen is placed on the paper and pressed gently into place. When well attached the body is cut away. A second sheet of adhesive paper is placed on top and pressure is applied. When the wings are removed the scales adhere to the paper and the precise color patterns of the upper and lower surfaces of the wings remain. The body is either painted in or engraved and hand colored." from the Nature Printing Society www.natureprintingsociety.org
Estimate $600-800


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